Trust, control & translation in the new participatory practice: a critique of the processes, dynamics & impacts of community participation in the curation of new city histories in English museums

Sarre, F.J.;
(2012)
Trust, control & translation in the new participatory practice: a critique of the processes, dynamics & impacts of community participation in the curation of new city histories in English museums.
Doctoral thesis, UCL (University College London).

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Abstract

In this thesis I argue that history galleries work to construct place and culture and
that, within this work, the new participatory practice offers a means to materialise
participants’ agency in the gallery and interrupt hegemonic conceptions of
belonging.
I initially identify a growing trend for participatory practice in the curation of
English museum galleries. Debates on relations between museum and community
and of ethics and justice provide the foundations to the new work.
A case-study methodology allows me to understand the practice from the
perspectives of those involved. Actor-network theory provides a model to map both
the enduring associations, which frame the projects, and the new voluntary
associations with community members. I recognise all those involved as actors
translating their personal agency into the project, and theorise the participants’ direct
and indirect influence on the galleries as transformative translation. These actions
include direct control of curation and influences on staff learning. The dynamics of
trust, agency and participation are theorised as critical to the success of the practice.
In order to assess the impact of participatory practices I apply discourse analysis to
the finished galleries. This reveals the dominant discourses being constructed. These
narratives are counterpointed with the co-present discourses on cultural diversity. More or less inclusive constructions of belonging for the city are noted as an
unresolved debate on the terms of belonging arises in the relationship between these
narratives.
Finally I bring together analyses of process and product to discuss ways in which the
participatory practice can help museums to re-imagine the gallery and the city. I note
the ethical benefits of participatory working practices but highlight the role of staff
choice in inviting such participation. I argue staff have an obligation to act ethically
and offer guidelines to assist in this process.

Type:

Thesis
(Doctoral)

Title:

Trust, control & translation in the new participatory practice: a critique of the processes, dynamics & impacts of community participation in the curation of new city histories in English museums